Any advice/tips?

jchow009

Since this is my first time TTC and given my age (38), I wonder if there is anything I should look out for?

I live a very healthy life style, I eat well, exercise on a regular basis, don't smoke.  I enjoy wine and out with friends for drinks here and there but nothing excessive.

I am not doing anything special to TTC, except I track my 1st day of period in order to determine my day(s) of ovluation.  I figure I will go with the flow for few months and my doctor told me to go back in the spring if nothing happens.  We have been trying since December. 

 

 

 

brooklynesque

Ovulation date isn't determined by the first day of your period; it can vary from individual to individual (for example, you might O on day 12 and have a 14 day luteal phase, while another woman with the exact same cycle length might O on day 15 with an 11-day luteal phase) or even from cycle to cycle.  It would probably be a good idea for you to temp (click on anyone's Fertility Friend ticker for a helpful site with lots of instructions) and use a fertility monitor or OPKs.  I'm 38, too -- women our age sometimes don't have a lot of time to waste.  Good luck!

jchow009

Oh yes, I know.  Sorry I wasn't clear.  I track my first day so that I can calculate my date of ovluation.  That's a good idea, I will get on that.  Thanks.

pillowass

Definitely invest in some OPK's or a Fertility Monitor. It takes so much of the guesswork out. Temping is helpful too but there is a learning curve. Check out www.fertilityfriend.com for more information on charting your fertility signs.

Also (and hopefully it won't come to this), once you decide to see a doctor for fertility concerns, the testing takes a few months and so I would go sooner rather than later. Good luck! 

brooklynesque

jchow009:

Oh yes, I know.  Sorry I wasn't clear.  I track my first day so that I can calculate my date of ovluation.  That's a good idea, I will get on that.  Thanks.

This is what I don't understand -- you can't tell your O date from the first day of your cycle.  It could be 10 days later, or 15 days later, or 20 days later.

Mrs.McIrish

jchow009:

Oh yes, I know.  Sorry I wasn't clear.  I track my first day so that I can calculate my date of ovluation.  That's a good idea, I will get on that.  Thanks.

It sounds like you are under the impression that you O on the same day every month and maybe going under the "women O on CD14" general rule of thumb. You can't calculate a day of ovulation. Your body will determine that and we are just along for the ride. That is not true for lots of women.  If you are using a ovulation calendar on line without using your own actual information (BBT etc), you could be wasting your time. I do not fit the mold for "O" on CD14 and lots of us do not.  I would suggest you read Taking Charge of Your Fertility. It will teach you a lot about the process. It isn't as easy for some as you were led to believe in health class!

tfkre8ive

You should also be taking a prenatal vitamin if you aren't already.

jchow009

I just put my first day of period in the O calculator and find out what are the possible days of my O.  I guess I probably should be more agressive.  What is OPKs? 

brooklynesque

jchow009:

I just put my first day of period in the O calculator and find out what are the possible days of my O.  I guess I probably should be more agressive.  What is OPKs? 

Ovulation prediction kits.  They measure your luteal hormone to see if you're surging and O is 24-48 hours away; you can get them at any drugstore, or many ladies also use Wondfo cheapies you can buy on the internet. 

Temping will confirm O.  Sounds complicated but once you figure out how to do it it really takes no time at all.

KZ2010

Welcome and good luck to you!  There's a glossary on the left side of the page, way at the bottom.  We bumpies use a lot of abbreviations, so that will be helpful for you until you get used to the jargon. 

I agree with the PP...get on a PNV and get to an RE sooner rather than later.  At 38, they recommend getting acquainted with an RE after 6 months of unsuccessful intercourse, but no one will fault you for wanting to meet with them sooner.  Just because you meet doesn't mean you have to try really aggressive treatment at the beginning, but it's certainly good to get the basic testing done and find out if your labs are goofy, etc.

GL to you! 

irishgirl0525

Mrs.McIrish:

jchow009:

Oh yes, I know.  Sorry I wasn't clear.  I track my first day so that I can calculate my date of ovluation.  That's a good idea, I will get on that.  Thanks.

It sounds like you are under the impression that you O on the same day every month and maybe going under the "women O on CD14" general rule of thumb. You can't calculate a day of ovulation. Your body will determine that and we are just along for the ride. That is not true for lots of women.  If you are using a ovulation calendar on line without using your own actual information (BBT etc), you could be wasting your time. I do not fit the mold for "O" on CD14 and lots of us do not.  I would suggest you read Taking Charge of Your Fertility. It will teach you a lot about the process. It isn't as easy for some as you were led to believe in health class!

This is what my OBGYN was telling me like it doesn't vary ever, at all. Even before I knew anything about TTC, I couldn't believe he was telling me this like it was gospel. Ugh so annoying when doctors don't seem to be informed, and I really LIKE my OBGYN.

Country Girl in the City

jchow009:

I just put my first day of period in the O calculator and find out what are the possible days of my O.  I guess I probably should be more agressive.  What is OPKs? 

Welcome to the board.  If you click on the link of anyone's post that says something like CD-3 it will take you to fertility friend.  That is a much better program than using an ovulation calculator that goes by only the first day of your period.  There is a free version or a paid version.  There are also tutorials that seem like you would greatly benefit from.  You will learn how to predict OPKs based on things like cervical mucosa and position along with ovulation predictor kits and taking your temperature.  Hope that helps.  Good luck.

jchow009

Thank you for all the information, ladies.  I admit I am a bit ignorance in this subject and I am glad I got on the board and asked. 

Country Girl in the City

As you learn more and have more questions, don't be afraid to ask.  The women here are really the best.  They are kind with answers and are very respectful of each other.